Top 20 Popular Fruits in Tonga

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Top 20 Popular Fruits in Tonga

Tonga's warm, subtropical climate and fertile volcanic soil make it an ideal location for the proliferation of local fruit plants, ensuring a perennial bounty. Among the most treasured are Chinese hibiscus, Madagascar periwinkle, and Swollen fingergrass, which not only thrive in these conditions but also hold a place of cultural reverence among the inhabitants. Their cultivation and consumption are closely intertwined with Tongan traditions and way of life, reflecting the island's rich botanical heritage.

Most Popular Fruits

Chinese hibiscus

1. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter

Madagascar periwinkle

2. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Johnson grass

3. Johnson grass

Experts consider johnson grass (Sorghum halepense) to be one of the ten worst weeds in the world. If frost or heat causes the plant to wilt, it can produce enough hydrogen cyanide to kill livestock. It grows at such a prodigious rate, it can choke out other crops. It’s named after Colonel William Johnson, an Alabama plantation owner who sowed lots of its seed around 1840.

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Swollen fingergrass

4. Swollen fingergrass

Swollen fingergrass (Chloris barbata) is a common grass in tropical and subtropical regions including the Pacific islands. It spreads rapidly in disturbed land, overgrazed fields, and road verges and can grow in saline soils. Although it is not highly palatable, cattle will eat the young grass.

Mid spring, Late spring

Wandering Jew

5. Wandering Jew

Wandering Jew has been introduced to North America where it is considered a noxious weed. It can be highly invasive - spreading across crops and pastures, outcompeting more desirable plants.

Mid fall, Late fall, Winter, Early spring

Pepper elder

6. Pepper elder

Pepper elder (Peperomia pellucida) is a perennial flowering plant that blooms all year. The entire pepper elder plant is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Mid winter, Late winter, Early spring, Mid spring

Tropical almond

7. Tropical almond

Tropical almond is grown commonly as an ornamental tree. It is prized for its ability to provide shade with its large leaves. These leaves are commonly used in aquariums by fish breeders for their ability to lower the pH and heavy metal content of the water. Although the fruit of the tropical almond is edible, the taste is slightly acidic.

Arrowhead plant

8. Arrowhead plant

Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a beautiful foliage plant, one of the most popular species of the Araceae family. Due to its air purifying qualities and good looks, arrowhead plant is often cultivated as a houseplant. Every part of this plant is toxic, so it's best to keep it away from kids and pets.

Mid summer, Late summer

Beach naupaka

9. Beach naupaka

Beach naupaka (Scaevola sericea) is a dense shrub that grows as high as 3 m tall. It grows in dry coastal areas in tropical climates. The fruit of beach naupaka floats and can germinate even after being in salt water for as long as a year.

Southern maidenhair fern

10. Southern maidenhair fern

The southern maidenhair fern is known for its extract, which is often used to make an oil that is an ingredient in shampoo. The fern is also unique because it can shed water without feeling wet. These plants are easy to grow in shade or bright indirect light and thrive in moist but not soggy soil.

Watermelon

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant with a vine-like appearance native to Western Africa. Watermelon bears fruit that are widely cultivated and consumed across the world. Watermelon grow in tropical and temperate climates and requires warmth to grow. There are 1000 varieties around the world.

Late summer, Early fall

Simpleleaf chastetree

12. Simpleleaf chastetree

You will find simpleleaf chastetree (Vitex trifolia) growing as a large shrub in coastal tropical climates from East Africa to Polynesia. The plant's Latin name 'Vitex' dates all the way back to the writings of Pliny, and 'trifloria' refers to the way the shrub's leaves grow in groups of three.

Chamber bitter

13. Chamber bitter

Chamber bitter is blooms in summer. Its striking branched leaf pattern makes it an attractive ornamental, but it is a weedy plant that takes careful management to stop its seeds from spreading to unwanted areas. It is considered invasive in the southern United States.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Common lantana

14. Common lantana

The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

Papaya

Papaya is a fruit-bearing plant that originates from Central America. The fruits are edible and sweet and juicy when ripe. An enzyme collected from the milky sap is used as a meat softener, which if ingested may be toxic. Keeping a papaya plant in your garden will welcome many birds to your landscape.

Marsh parsley

16. Marsh parsley

Marsh parsley (Cyclospermum leptophyllum) was originally native to South America but has since spread globally as a weed that thrives on disturbed ground, such as new construction, along railroad tracks, and in untended gardens. Many areas list marsh parsley as a noxious weed since it threatens to choke out native species.

Early summer, Mid summer

Thimbleberry

17. Thimbleberry

Thimbleberry has bright red fruits that appear similar to strawberries but resemble thimbles, hence its common name. Its fruits are edible and can be eaten raw. The fruits are also commonly used to make tarts and jams. It can be grown in shady and cool areas.

Mid summer, Late summer

Beach sheoak

18. Beach sheoak

Beach sheoak (Casuarina equisetifolia) is a flowering evergreen tree that is considered invasive in some areas. Beach sheoak replaces native trees and disturbs their natural habitat. Beach sheoak produces a woody fruit that attract birds. It does not grow well in cold temperatures and is intolerant to frost. This species grows well in coastal areas and tolerates salty soil.

Pomelo

Pomelo (*Citrus grandis*) is a greenish, tropical and subtropical fruit originally that is larger than any other citrus fruit on the planet (thus the species name - 'grandis'). Though it is the ancestor of the commonly cultivated grapefruit (citrus x paradisi), the pomelo has a thick, hard-to-peel rind and doesn’t have a lot of juice. Nevertheless, it is commonly eaten in Southeast Asia.

Asiatic pennywort

20. Asiatic pennywort

Asiatic pennywort (*Centella asiatica*) is a perennial herb that creeps along the ground. It is a common turf weed that reproduces by seeds and spreads aggressively by rhizomes underground. It features kidney-shaped leaves that are soft and tender. It is native to India and grows in shade with adequate moisture.

Spring, Summer, Fall

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More Plants in Tonga

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Tonga's warm, humid climate and fertile volcanic soil provide an ideal environment for diverse flora, including toxic plants. The prevalence of , , and is a testament to the region's capacity to support such hazardous species, fostering both ecological diversity and human caution in handling local vegetation.

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Most Common Flowers

Tonga, with its tropical climate and fertile soil, provides ideal conditions for a rich variety of native flowers to flourish. Among these, , , and stand out as the most characteristic. These flowers not only add to the visual beauty of the region, but also hold deep symbolic and ecological significance. Reliable sources validate the information presented, ensuring accuracy and trustworthiness.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring awakens in Tonga, the environment transforms, offering a canvas for local flora to flaunt their colors. Flowers like , , and emerge, heralding the season's arrival. These blooms not only add vibrancy to the landscape but often carry deep cultural symbolism and are integral to local festivities and traditions, reflecting the island's rich botanical heritage.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Tonga, Spring unfurls with gentle warmth and renewing rains, ideal for nurturing fruit-laden landscapes. This season, local orchards and gardens burgeon with , , and , each fruit gleaming with the freshness of the vernal breeze. These spring-harvested fruits, pivotal to local diets and customs, are savored for their seasonal vitality and cultural resonance.

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Most Common Trees

Tonga's climate and soil conditions provide an ideal environment for native trees to flourish. The region is home to three emblematic trees: , , and . These trees hold great cultural and ecological significance within Tonga, showcasing its rich biodiversity. While not delving into elaborate details, it is important to note that these trees contribute to the overall beauty and ecological balance of the region.

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Most Common Weeds

Tonga's warm, tropical climate provides an ideal environment for various garden weeds to flourish. Among the invasive species, , , and are notably pervasive, often outcompeting native flora. These weeds present continual challenges for local gardeners, necessitating regular management efforts to curtail their spread and mitigate their impact on agricultural and natural landscapes.

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Most Common Tall Trees

In the fertile soils warmed by a tropical climate and regular rainfall, Tonga nurtures a rich diversity of flora. Among these, towering trees such as , , and hold dominion over the skies, exemplifying ecological majesty. Their impressive height is a testament to the island's ability to support such grand specimens, which play crucial roles both within their ecosystems and in Tongan cultural legacies. These trees stand as natural monuments, their lofty canopies a weave of green against the Pacific blue.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Tonga may be cold and serene, but it is also the season when certain flowers bravely bloom. Despite the chill, , , and showcase their resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. These winter blooms bring a touch of color and life to the frosty environment, reminding us of nature's ability to flourish even in the harshest of conditions.

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Most Common Plants

In Tonga, you can find Chinese hibiscus, Ti plant, Madagascar periwinkle, Hawai'i desert-thorn, Giant potato creeper, and more! There are 50 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

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